MP Sir David vows to fight for cash to boost Southend’s economy

Southend West MP, Sir David Amess, spoke of his disappointment after the borough missed out on the cash boost, which could have helped promote sustainable economic growth and jobs.

Sir David raised the issue with Chancellor Philip Hammond in the Commons who urged Southend to apply for more funding to continue the town’s renaissance.

Speaking after the debate, Sir David said: “From my point of view, I think that Southend has been somewhat overlooked recently and I intend to change that.

“The good news is that we will be having a meeting sooner rather than later with a treasury minister. The meeting will be led by myself and Southend Council leader, John Lamb.”

Mr Hammond told Sir David the Government “recognises the ongoing growth potential of Southend”.

He added: “The Government’s substantial investment to date in Southend includes more than £40million through the South East local enterprise partnership and the 2014 city deal.

“At least another £90million of further funding is available to promote sustainable economic growth and jobs in the UK’s coastal communities. I strongly encourage Southend Council to apply to this fund.”

Southend Council said the council had applied for £3.3million from the Coastal Communities Fund.

Mr Lamb, Conservative leader of Southend Council, said: “We are disappointed that our local Coastal Communities teams did not attract funding in the latest round of the Coastal Communities Fund.

“The council put together what we believed was a strong bid on behalf of our three local teams, a bid which sought £3m of funding towards a wide portfolio local regeneration initiatives from Shoebury to Leigh.

“We should remember that we did succeed two years ago and we will be putting in bids again next year.

“As a council we do all we can to help our local teams in Leigh, Southend and Shoebury compose robust bids.

“I will be also working closely with our local MPs.”